The Role of Businesses in Reducing Polarization and Increasing Social Cohesion
In a public perceptions survey conducted by Maala in December 2025 among a representative sample of the Israeli public, respondents were asked an open-ended question: “What do you see as the most important issue facing Israel today?”
Approximately 21% pointed to social polarization as the country’s most pressing issue – nearly double the figure recorded in 2023.
The survey results pointed to three distinct and significant issues, while all other topics mentioned by respondents received only marginal support.
In this year’s survey, we took the analysis a step further by examining, for the first time, public perceptions of the role workplaces can play. Roughly 70% of the public agree that maintaining respectful discourse in the workplace contributes to social cohesion in Israeli society.
This is a clearly encouraging finding, and a call to action. Businesses have significant capacity to help foster more respectful discourse.
About the survey:
Maala conducts an annual survey examining public perceptions of and expectations from businesses. The survey is based on the methodology of the global research organization GlobeScan, adapted to Israel’s culture and economy. In 2025, the survey was carried out by the Roshink Research Institute.
